Queretaro Mexico: Colonial Architecture with Mesoamerican Roots

Queretaro is a vibrant city with a wealth of splendid colonial architecture with Mesoamerican roots and neo-Hispanic architectonic features. This city is where the struggle for Mexican independence was promoted and where the Mexican constitution was composed. Its name comes from the word "Queréndaro", of the Purépacha language, which translates into "The Main Ball Game" or "Crag Place" in English, terms that reaffirm its pre-Hispanic origin.
Queretaro is a vibrant city with a wealth of splendid colonial architecture with Mesoamerican roots and neo-Hispanic architectonic features. This city is where the struggle for Mexican independence was promoted and where the Mexican constitution was composed. Its name comes from the word "Queréndaro", of the Purépacha language, which translates into "The Main Ball Game" or "Crag Place" in English, terms that reaffirm its pre-Hispanic origin.

Queretaro, located in the center of Mexico about two hours from Mexico City, comes alive with authentic cultural entertainment in virtually every plaza. It is also very safe, friendly, affordable and clean. Take time to visit some of its churches, enjoy the tree-lined plaza and the quaint colonial streets and alleyways. There are many shops to browse through and a variety of restaurants serving international and Mexican cuisine.

This is a great city to walk in and at night it is lit up beautifully. The historic downtown callejoneadas (night promenades), accompanied by estudiantinas or rondallas, are famous, as well as the musical performances by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Queretaro

You'll want to take the City Tour by Trolley, a guided visit through the main sites, monuments and legends, while riding aboard a double decker trolley.

This region is one of mineral hot springs are there are many health spas in the area, so you might want to take advantage of that and visit one. Some of the hotels in town have spas and thermal swimming pools.

The Convento de La Cruz, is a stately convent located at the site where the conquest of the City was consummated in 1531. It later was the headquarters of the first Propaganda Association in the American continent, whose mission was to evangelize the Indians. In 1867, one of the cells served as a dormitory to the Archduke Maximiliano de Habsburgo and later was converted into his first prison. Throughout history, this cloister has maintained its original architectural structure, so it's very interesting to visit the kitchen, the cells and corridors. Be sure to see the tree in the garden with cross-shaped thorns.

Visit the "Casa de la Zacatecana" Museum, a beautiful, legendary two story home from the XVII century with 13 halls and two patios. This is an excellent attraction where you'll view furniture, pieces of art and paintings from several periods throughout history.

You can also go to the Cerro de Campanas (Hill of Bells) where Emperor Maximilian was executed in 1867. Generals Miramon and Mejia were also shot here during the Independence War. Because the Emperor of Mexico, Maximiliano, was killed here, the Imperial House of Austria financed the building of a chapel in his honor. Now the hill has been converted into a beautiful park with large green areas, playgrounds, an artificial lake, theatre and a small museum, the City Museum, which has two very significant, permanent exhibitions: the "Cultural Heritage of Humanity Hall" and one devoted to the "Virgen del Pueblito". Its name is due to the existence of stones; upon being beat with each other, issued a sound similar to a bell. This sound has disappeared over time.

The Hotel Real de Minas Tradicional features 200+ air-conditioned rooms, meeting rooms and gardens and is located just 15 minutes from downtown Queretaro, There rooms and suites featuring cable TV, fax and internet access. They have a restaurant and lounge on the premises, along with a swimming pool, gym and kiddie play area. (Visit realdeminas.com.mx/ENGLISH/ for more information.)

Hotel Hidalgo is a good choice for budget minded travelers. The hotel atmosphere is very quaint, showing off its historic atmosphere in the lobby and the courtyard restaurant. The Hotel Hidalgo is located in the Centro Historico (a UNESCO world heritage site), close to the Jardin Zenea, and just half a block walk from the main square and church. Ask for a room with a balcony so you can enjoy the view. Its clientele is mainly Mexican visitors and business travelers. The staff is very helpful but most speak limited English. Their courtyard restaurant is reasonably priced and very good.

Adios!